Saint Eustace (Latinized Eustachius or Eustathius; Greek: Εὐστάθιος Πλακίδας Eustathios Plakidas) was a Roman general who is revered as a Christian martyr. According to legend, he was a pagan who converted to Christianity after having a vision of the cross while hunting. He lost all his wealth, was separated from his wife and sons, and went into exile in Egypt. Called back to lead the Roman army by Emperor Trajan, Eustace was happily reunited with his family and restored to high social standing, but after the death of Trajan, he and his family were martyred at the command of Hadrian in AD 118 for refusing to sacrifice to Roman gods.
Eustace was venerated in the Byzantine Church from at least the 7th century.
His veneration is attested for the Latin Church for the 8th century, but his rise to popularity in Western Europe happened in the high medieval period, during the 12th to 13th centuries. There are many versions and adaptations of his legend, in prose, in verse, and in the form of plays, in Latin, French and other languages. The saint, and scenes from his legend, were also frequently depicted in the figurative arts.
Eustace is counted as one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers.
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